“Truly captivating and stunning take on modern ballet.”
McNicol Ballet Collective’s latest programme, HERE & NOW, celebrates the company’s fifth anniversary with a compelling mixed bill of five works. The evening featured standout excerpts from existing pieces alongside a world premiere choreographed by Andrew McNicol, set to an original score by Jeremy Birchall. Act 2 included a behind-the-scenes video offering a glimpse into the creative process, showcasing how McNicol and Birchall collaborated to ensure the choreography was deeply attuned to the music.
Each of the five works had a distinct style, supported by thoughtful choices in costume, music, and lighting that set the tone for each piece. The inventive costumes by Louise Flanagan underscored the contemporary take of the programme while remaining practical, allowing full freedom of movement and accentuating the dancers’ form. Lighting by Yaron Abulafia enhanced both the atmosphere and the choreography, casting the dancers in a way that highlighted their physicality and expression. Music played a central role in programme, with live musicians delivering a beautifully nuanced performance that added depth to the show.
Though still a relatively young and small company, McNicol Ballet Collective is undeniably punching above its weight. The dancers performed with both confidence and joy, shining in solos and pas de deux alike. They moved with the cohesion of a long-established ensemble, as opposed to eight dancers who had previously danced with leading companies worldwide. At times, the dancers fell slightly out of sync with the music, though such moments were rare.
With a diverse and beautifully executed programme, HERE & NOW is a must-see for anyone who appreciates dance and live performance.